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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






2. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






3. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






4. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






5. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






6. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






7. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






8. Indicating speed.






9. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






10. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






11. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






12. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






13. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






14. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






15. One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark - melancholic mood.






16. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






17. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






18. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






19. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






20. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






21. A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.






22. The principal note of a triad.






23. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






24. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






25. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






26. The major and minor keys that share the same notes in that key.For example: A minor shares the same note as C major.






27. A composition written for nine instruments.






28. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






29. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






30. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






31. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






32. Eight full tones above the key note where the scale begins and ends.






33. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






34. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






35. A chord comprised of three whole tones resulting in an augmented fourth or diminished fifth.






36. A reprise.






37. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






38. Suite of Baroque dances.






39. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






40. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






41. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






42. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






43. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






44. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






45. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






46. A short light musical drama.






47. A short or brief sonata.






48. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






49. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






50. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.







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